Can viagra help us in building muscle mass and boost our own testosterone?

The Little Blue Pill and its unexpected connection to bodybuilding

In 1986, scientists made a breakthrough discovery: they found that nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in dilating blood vessels, i.e. it is a powerful vasodilator. This finding opened the door to understanding how to improve muscle blood flow, boost strength performance, speed recovery after a tough workout and potentially positively impact heart health.

Based on this discovery, scientists at the pharmaceutical company Pfizer began experimenting with substances called PDE-5 inhibitors. These substances amplify and prolong the effects of nitric oxide on blood vessels. The original aim of the research was to find an effective treatment for angina, an ischaemic heart disease that causes chest pain due to insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.

The first drug investigated was sildenafil citrate. However, clinical trials showed that its effectiveness in treating angina was not as strong as expected. However, during these trials, interesting side effects emerged that shifted the direction of further research.

Unexpected benefits for athletes?

While sildenafil initially failed to meet expectations in cardiology, its ability to affect blood flow has sparked interest in other areas, including potential use in sports and bodybuilding. Some studies suggest that PDE-5 inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) may have several interesting benefits for athletes:

1. Increased muscle "pump" and improved blood flow:

The most basic effect of these drugs is to improve blood flow throughout the body, including the muscles. This can lead to a more pronounced feeling of "pumping" of the muscles during training and more efficient transport of nutrients to muscle tissues, which is key for growth and recovery.

2. Potential reduction in estrogen levels:

A 2005 study suggested that regular use of low doses of tadalafil (Cialis) may lead to significant reductions in levels of estradiol, a form of estrogen, in men with lower body fat. In men with a higher BMI, this effect was not seen, probably because of the higher activity of the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone to estrogen.

3. Possible increase in testosterone levels:

Research focusing on men with low testosterone levels between the ages of 40 and 70 found that taking sildenafil (Viagra) led to an average increase in testosterone levels. This increase could be due to both reduced conversion of testosterone to estrogen and increased testosterone production in the testes.

4. Improved insulin sensitivity:

A study conducted in rats suggested that sildenafil (Viagra) may reduce oxidative stress caused by diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. If these results are confirmed in humans, it could have positive effects on glucose metabolism and overall health.

Important caveats and future research:

It is crucial to emphasize that most of these studies were conducted to investigate the therapeutic use of PDE-5 inhibitors for specific medical conditions. The effects on healthy athletes and bodybuilders require further, more extensive research.

Sporadic use of these drugs is unlikely to pose significant long-term health risks. However, regular and long-term use should always be discussed with a physician who will consider individual health status and potential risks and benefits.

If further research confirms and extends the spectrum of positive effects of PDE-5 inhibitors, it is possible that in the future we may see recommendations for their regular use in the context of promoting athletic performance and overall health. However, at present, these findings should be approached with caution and an emphasis on individual consultation with a specialist.

The studies mentioned:

Greco EA et al. Testosterone:Estradiol ratio changes associated with long-term tadalafil administration: a pilot study. J Sex Med. 2006 Jul;3(4):716-722. PubMed.

Spitzer M et al. Sildenafil increases serum testosterone levels by a direct action on the testes. Andrology. 2013 Nov;1(6):913-8. PubMed.

Milani E et al. Reduction of diabetes-induced oxidative stress by phos- phodiesterase inhibitors in rats. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol. 2005 Feb;140(2):251-5. PubMed.

Source: T-Nation.com